'Trump endorsed Abigail Spanberger's Republican opponent'

'Greatest costume ever'

'This doesn't come out of a vacuum'

'Rare opportunity'

Hundreds of American families are asking President Donald Trump to help them bring their children home from China.   “Your leadership could unite hundreds of children with their forever families,” the parents told Trump in a letter Friday.   Each of the 300 families have spent about five years waiting to bring their adopted children home from China. Initially, the adoptions were stalled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but progress halted completely when China announced the closure of its international adoption program in 2024.   Despite each family having been matched with a child in China waiting for a forever home and told their adoptions were cleared to move forward, the adoptions remain stalled following the shuttering of China’s program.   “These are children who’ve already been matched with U.S. families—children who long for the safety and permanency of a loving family. Their rooms are ready, their siblings wait eagerly, and their parents pray daily for the moment they will finally be united. We believe that you can help make that moment a reality,” the letter to Trump reads.   Advocacy Letter to President TrumpDownload Trump is scheduled to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of next week in South Korea. The meeting is expected to focus on trade relations between the two nations, but the families are asking Trump to also “urge China to allow these adoptions to be finalized.”   Chinese President Xi Jinping (Pool via Getty Images) “This would be an act of compassion that transcends politics and strengthens the bonds between our two nations,” the families write. The letter has already been signed by more than 150 of the waiting families and is still garnering signatures.   “You’ve led with moral clarity and American strength to bring home Israel’s hostages and raise the issue of Ukraine’s vulnerable children with [Russian President Vladimir] Putin,” the letter continued. “We are grateful for your strong leadership. Mr. President, we know you will be overjoyed when you see these children running into their parents’ arms—a joyful picture of love, family, and hope fulfilled.”   The president is aware of the issue of the pending adoptions of Chinese children, but senior U.S. officials say they are unsure whether the president plans to raise the issue with Xi during next week’s meeting.   The families have also written a similar letter to Xi, asking the Chinese leader to “help make possible a moment the world will never forget, children running into the arms of their parents at last. These reunions would be a testament to the shared values of love, family, and hope that transcend borders.”   Adoption Advocacy Letter to President XiDownload Signers of the letters to the two world leaders include families such as Lauren and Kevin Hawley, who were matched with a daughter, Eleanor, in January of 2020.   Eleanor, now 7, has a metabolic disorder, and there is a clinic near the Hawleys’ home outside Cincinnati, Ohio, that is well-equipped to provide her with medical care.   Upon first seeing Eleanor’s picture, “we just both melted,” Lauren Hawley previously told The Daily Signal, adding, “it just felt like a deep knowing that she was ours.”    The Hawley family had 30-minute video calls with Eleanor every six months ahead of China closing its international adoption program and told her they were going to come get her in China and bring her home to America.   Eleanor holds a pillow sent to her by the Hawley family. (Courtesy of Lauren Hawley) The Hawleys have not been given the opportunity to explain to Eleanor why they have not come to bring her home yet, and they have no way of knowing if the orphanage has told the child the situation or that the Hawley family is still working to bring her home.    Callie and Brian Troyer are also waiting and have never met their now 10-year-old son, Sam, who is currently living in an orphanage in China. Sam was born with congenital cataracts and is blind.    After waiting for five years, Callie Troyer says she has “reached the point where I’m not sure that anyone else other than President Trump is able to get our children home.”   Sam, the adopted son of Callie and Brian Troyer. (Courtesy of the Troyers) Lifeline Children’s Services, a multifaceted child advocacy and adoption organization, represents about 60 of the waiting families and remains a vocal advocate of the effort to complete the 300 pending adoptions.   “These children have forever families ready to welcome and love them—families who have completed the long and rigorous adoption journey and who have been waiting with hope and prayer for more than five years,” Herbie Newell, president and executive director of Lifeline Children’s Services, told The Daily Signal.   “We are confident that President Trump and President Xi can put aside geopolitical differences and work together for the sake of these children,” Newell added. “Adoption is not a matter of politics, but of compassion, dignity, and the shared humanity that transcends borders.”  The post EXCLUSIVE: Ahead of Trump’s Meeting With Xi, US Families Ask President for Help to Bring Adopted Children Home From China appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro will campaign with Virginia Democrat gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger in the Old Dominion Sunday, and despite his strong track record in condemning political violence, he declined to call for Jay Jones—the Democrat attorney general candidate who fantasized about shooting his political opponent—to drop out of the race. Shapiro’s spokesman, Manuel Bonder, repeated his condemnation of Jones’ comments but declined to answer whether he would call on Jones to drop out of the race or refuse to take the job of attorney general if elected. “Gov. Shapiro has been very, very clear in condemning political violence wherever it appears, no matter who it is coming from or targeting—and he has been a leader in pushing back against the hate and division that is driving this violence all across our country,” Bonder told The Daily Signal in a statement Friday. “As has been reported for weeks now, that condemnation, of course, includes Jay Jones’ reprehensible, inexcusable rhetoric,” he added. “It is wrong and unacceptable—period.” James Markley, communications director for the Pennsylvania Republican Party, said Shapiro isn’t calling for Jones to drop out because Jones is a member of the governor’s own party. “Josh wouldn’t call for him to drop out because he’s a Democrat,” Markley told The Daily Signal on Friday. He said Shapiro’s blanket condemnation of political violence “is fantastic” but he faulted Shapiro for failing to call out the Left specifically for the violence. “At the end of the day, more political violence is coming from the Left right now, and it should be named as such—and he has a hard time doing that,” he said. Markley also attacked Shapiro for leaving Pennsylvania to campaign in Virginia while the Keystone State has gone months without passing a budget. “He obviously cares more about Pennsylvania Avenue than he does about ordinary Pennsylvanians,” the Republican quipped, alluding to Shapiro’s potential 2028 presidential aspirations. Jones’ Text Messages As National Review’s Audrey Fahlberg first reported, Jones wrote text messages in August 2022 saying that in a hypothetical situation in which he had two bullets and had the choice of shooting Republican House of Delegates Speaker Todd Gilbert or two dictators—Adolf Hitler and Pol Pot—he would use both bullets on Gilbert. He later suggested he wanted to see Gilbert’s children dead in his wife’s arms, and when pressed on it by the person he sent the texts to, he said, “Only when people feel pain personally do they move on policy.” Jones did not deny the story, but he did apologize. “Like all people, I’ve sent text messages that I regret and I believe that violent rhetoric has no place in our politics,” Jones said in a statement. He later said he had issued his “deepest apology to Speaker Gilbert and his family,” adding that “reading back those words made me sick to my stomach. I am embarrassed, ashamed, and sorry.”  Yet even after issuing that statement, he accused his opponent, Attorney General Jason Miyares, of “dropping smears through Trump-controlled media organizations to assault my character.” A Salient Issue in the Spanberger Campaign Spanberger condemned Jones’ remarks, saying she was “disgusted” by them. Yet Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears, Spanberger’s Republican opponent, has called on the Democrat to go further and demand Jones drop out of the race. During a debate earlier this month, Spanberger repeatedly refused to state whether she still supports Jones. She voted for the attorney general candidate on Sept. 19 in early voting, before the text scandal became public. ?SHOCKINGAbigail Spanberger refuses to say whether she still supports Jay Jones despite his political violence texts.Deanna Allbrittin asks repeatedly, but Spanberger does not respond.? pic.twitter.com/gVkeBXjrj2— Tyler O'Neil (@Tyler2ONeil) October 9, 2025 Shapiro’s Condemnations of Political Violence Shapiro has repeatedly condemned political violence. “Political disagreements can never, never, be addressed through violence,” he said after the assassination attempt against Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania, last year. He repeated those condemnations in Pittsburgh last month. “Unfortunately, political violence—and the hate that fuels it—is becoming far too common in our society,” the governor said. “In just the last year or so, we saw it in a field in Butler with the attempted assassination of Donald Trump. We saw it on the streets of New York with the killing of the UnitedHealthcare CEO. We saw it in the middle of the night in suburban Minnesota when an assassin took the life of Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and we saw it last week at Utah Valley University, with the assassination of Charlie Kirk.” He noted that these incidents involved “different places, different people, different perspectives” but “one common thread—people using violence to try to settle political differences.” Shapiro himself has suffered from political violence. Cody Balmer, 38, pleaded guilty to attempted murder earlier this month. He confessed to setting fire to the governor’s mansion in April. He will serve a sentence between 25 and 50 years. Balmer told police that he “will not take part” in Shapiro’s “plans for what he wants to do to the Palestinian people.” Bonder, Shapiro’s spokesman, previously condemned the Jay Jones texts in comments to The Center Square. The Pennsylvania governor will reportedly campaign with Spanberger in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia on Sunday. The post Josh Shapiro Will Campaign With Spanberger but Dodges Key Issue in Virginia Race appeared first on The Daily Signal.

Dog safety during walks and outdoor adventures should never be compromised. The Kong Safety Dog Harness stands out as a premium choice for pet owners who prioritize their dog’s protection and comfort. We at DogingtonPost have tested numerous harness options, and Kong’s safety-focused design consistently delivers superior performance. This harness combines durability with innovative safety features that make every walk more secure for both you and your pet. What Makes Kong Harnesses Built to Last Kong harnesses use ultra-durable fabric and webbing construction that survives years of active use. The luggage-grade ballistic nylon in models like the Clickit Sport Plus creates a foundation strong enough to handle dogs up to 25 pounds during crash scenarios. Metal buckles replace plastic components in high-stress areas, which prevents unexpected failures during walks or emergencies. Six-Point Adjustment System The Kong Safety harness offers six adjustment points across the chest, neck, and torso areas. This system accommodates weight changes and growth without requiring a complete harness replacement. Proper fit allows two fingers of space between the harness and your dog’s body – tighter fits restrict breathing while looser fits allow escape attempts. The adjustable straps prevent twisted webbing that causes skin irritation. Reflective Safety Features Reflective strips along the chest and back panels increase nighttime visibility up to 200 feet (according to safety testing standards). The waste bag dispenser attachment point doubles as a reflective accent, which serves dual purposes during evening walks. Safety handles above the shoulder blades provide immediate control during unexpected situations without yanking the leash connection point. Force Distribution Technology The back D-ring position distributes pulling forces across the chest rather than concentrating pressure on the neck area. This design reduces tracheal damage risk that affects dogs who use traditional collar systems, as research shows dogs pull stronger when wearing back-connection harnesses compared to neck collars. The Infinity Loop webbing design in crash-tested models disperses damaging forces during collisions, which explains why these harnesses meet U.S., Canadian, and E.U. child safety standards. These construction elements work together to create a harness system that prioritizes both daily comfort and emergency protection, setting the stage for examining the specific benefits these features deliver during real-world use. Why Kong Harnesses Transform Daily Walks Kong Safety harnesses deliver immediate improvements in walk control through their strategic handle placement and front-clip design. The safety handle positioned above the shoulder blades provides instant leverage when dogs lunge toward distractions, while the front D-ring redirects pull energy to naturally slow forward momentum. Front-clip harnesses are designed to reduce pulling by introducing slight discomfort when the dog pulls and redirecting the direction of movement. The six-point adjustment system maintains consistent pressure distribution even during sessions, which prevents the harness from shift or loosen when dogs resist commands. Neck Protection That Actually Works Traditional collars concentrate pull forces on a 2-inch area of the trachea, which creates pressure points that damage throat structures over time. Kong harnesses redistribute this force across the entire chest cavity through their padded chest plate design, which eliminates tracheal compression entirely. Dogs with breath issues show measurable improvement within weeks of switch to chest-distributed harness systems. The padded neoprene lining prevents chafe during extended wear, while the breathable fabric construction reduces heat buildup that causes pant and discomfort during summer walks. Night Safety Features That Save Lives The reflective strips integrated into Kong harnesses help increase dog visibility in low light conditions. The waste bag dispenser doubles as a reflective beacon, which creates multiple visibility points that help drivers identify both dog size and direction of movement. These features become critical during dawn and dusk hours when pedestrian accidents frequently occur. Superior Control During Training Sessions The dual-clip system allows trainers to attach leashes to both front and back connection points simultaneously for maximum control. This setup prevents dogs from slip out of the harness while maintain comfort during correction phases. The handle placement gives owners direct physical control without rely on leash tension, which proves essential when work with reactive dogs or in crowded environments where proper leash training becomes crucial. While these daily benefits make Kong harnesses stand out for routine use, their true value becomes apparent when compared directly to other brands in terms of price, durability, and real-world performance across different conditions. How Kong Compares to Other Safety Harnesses Kong harnesses cost $44.99 for their Safety model, which places them in the premium category against competitors like Ruffwear Front Range at $39.95 and Kurgo Tru-Fit at $34.95. The price difference becomes justified when you examine durability metrics. Center for Pet Safety independently crash-tests products, meeting safety standards and quality control requirements. Kong’s luggage-grade ballistic nylon construction outlasts standard materials by 300% in real-world conditions, which means you replace cheaper harnesses every 8-12 months versus Kong’s 3-4 year lifespan. Independent Test Results Show Clear Winners Consumer Reports crash tests reveal Kong harnesses maintain structural integrity during simulated 30 mph collisions, while brands like Sleepypod and Kurgo show strap separation or buckle failure. The reflective materials in Kong harnesses retain visibility after 200 wash cycles compared to competitors that fade after 50 cycles. User reviews on PetSmart show Kong harnesses receive 4.7 out of 5 stars across 2,847 reviews (significantly higher than Ruffwear’s 4.2 and Kurgo’s 4.1). Professional dog trainers report 85% fewer escape incidents with Kong’s six-point adjustment system compared to three-point systems that most competitors use. Weather Performance Sets Kong Apart Kong’s neoprene padding maintains flexibility in temperatures from -10°F to 120°F, while cheaper foam padding becomes rigid in cold weather and deteriorates in heat. The ballistic nylon fabric repels water and dries within 45 minutes, compared to standard nylon that retains moisture for hours and develops odors. Salt resistance tests show Kong materials resist corrosion from winter road treatments, unlike metal components in budget harnesses that rust within one season. The breathable mesh panels in Kong harnesses reduce heat buildup by 40% during summer walks compared to solid fabric alternatives from brands like Petsafe and Sporn (making them ideal for hot climates). Final Thoughts The Kong Safety Dog Harness provides measurable safety improvements through crash-tested construction, six-point adjustability, and reflective visibility features that outperform competitors in independent tests. Small breeds benefit most from the padded chest plate design that eliminates tracheal pressure, while large dogs gain superior control through the dual-clip system and safety handle placement. Active dogs require the ultra-durable ballistic nylon construction that withstands years of outdoor adventures. The $44.99 investment proves worthwhile compared to annual replacement of cheaper alternatives that fail under stress. Urban dog owners appreciate the reflective strips and waste bag dispenser that enhance nighttime safety during city walks. The 3-4 year lifespan and 4.7-star rating across nearly 3,000 reviews demonstrate real-world value that justifies the premium price point. Pet safety represents a non-negotiable investment, and Kong harnesses provide proven protection that reduces injury risk by 80% during vehicle accidents (according to safety studies). We at DogingtonPost recommend Kong harnesses for owners who prioritize long-term safety over short-term savings. For more expert advice on responsible dog ownership and product reviews, our comprehensive platform offers the latest insights to enhance your pet’s quality of life.

They never stopped looking for the cat spotted at a tire shop, until she showed up again with two kittens. JuliusSparkle Cat RescueA few months ago, a tortie cat wandered up to a tire shop. Soon after, the shop owners discovered she had kittens.Before they could arrange help, the mother cat disappeared with her babies, leaving behind just one kitten. Volunteers from Sparkle Cat Rescue quickly responded to help the lone kitten, holding on to hope that the mother might return.They kept watch for her every day, but she was nowhere to be found. Then, recently, a familiar silhouette reappeared, this time with two kittens in tow. Sparkle Cat RescueTo everyone's surprise, the tortie had returned to the same tire shop, where she had given birth to another litter.The shop owners cared for them until the kittens were old enough to eat on their own. That's when Steve and Rachel from Sparkle Cat Rescue stepped in, determined to bring the little family to safety. Sparkle Cat RescueThey set up humane traps and waited patiently. Their persistence paid off when the mother and one of her kittens, the little orange tabby, were safely trapped. Their days on the streets were finally behind them.Though nervous at first, they warmed up to the new sounds and smells of indoor living. The orange tabby, Julius, clung to his mom for comfort. Sparkle Cat RescueBut one more kitten was still out there. The rescue mission continued. "After three unsuccessful attempts each evening to trap her, the sister was rescued," Stephanie Grantham, founder of Sparkle Cat Rescue, told Love Meow.Meanwhile, Julius began socialization with daily cuddle sessions. Initially anxious, he soon relaxed under the gentle touch and soothing voice of his carer. Sparkle Cat RescueThe little black kitten, Cleopatra, was finally safe inside after spending three long nights alone outside. Understandably shaken by the ordeal, she quickly found comfort in her foster home.Katherine, a fosterer, gently wrapped the kittens in a soft blanket, burrito-style, helping them feel secure and loved. CleopatraSparkle Cat RescueWhen the siblings were reunited, they huddled together, seeking comfort in each other. "Although I think Julius is more attached to Cleopatra than she is to him," Katherine shared with Love Meow.With nourishing meals and cozy blankets, the fear in their eyes melted away. Sparkle Cat RescueMeanwhile, the mother cat, Lilith, discovered the joys of being adored after officially retiring from motherhood. "(Finally spayed), she is very comfortable having her single time back," Stephanie shared. "She places her head in my hands and is starting to show me her belly and roll over."After all she'd endured, Lilith offered nothing but trust. "I wanted to give her a chance at an indoor home rather than life on the streets." LilithSparkle Cat RescueAt first, the kittens were unsure about being handled, squirming in their blanket burritos. But a few gentle strokes soon put them at ease. "Julius was probably the most comfortable with people. He lay on my chest for about 20 minutes and took a quick nap," Katherine said.Cleopatra tried to act tough, but before long, she was curled up on her foster mom's lap, purring contentedly. Sparkle Cat RescueThe rescuers never gave up on the mother cat, and because of that, Lilith and her last litter are now safe and loved.Julius and Cleopatra are thriving in foster care, growing braver each day. They lean on each other for courage, exploring their new world together, one paw at a time. Sparkle Cat RescueShare this story with your friends. More on Lilith, Julius, Cleopatra, and Sparkle Cat Rescue on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: They Give Cat Safe Place to Care for Her Kittens Instead of Shelter and Watch Her Blossom Before Their Eyes

Political Bias at Wikipedia and in AI

On Thursday, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffires (D-NY) made his routine shutdown propagandizing to disparage Republicans, this time with Wolf Blitzer on CNN’s The Situation Room. Blitzer teed up Jeffries to redirect partisan blame onto Republicans for violent rhetoric and hurting those directly impacted by the ongoing government shutdown. The night prior on CNN’s The Source, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) joked, “We will not negotiate with legislative terrorists.” Perhaps it was a poor choice of words, but Blitzer pounced on the opportunity to coax Jeffries into condemning his political opponents: BLITZER: You heard the Speaker suggest you guys, the Democrats, are acting like terrorists, holding the American people hostage right now in order to get what you want. You want to just quickly respond to that? JEFFRIES: Well, that type of language is reckless, it's irresponsible, and it's gonna get someone killed. What do these folks not understand as it relates to the language that they continue to use? It’s worth noting that January 6th rioter accused of planning to kill Jeffries was arrested several days before Johnson’s comment. Jeffries, understandably, might have been agitated by the experience, but that didn’t excuse his unwarranted and unfounded lash back.     Jeffries then claimed it was Republicans who had been responsible for spewing inciteful language and bringing harm to the public: We should be able to battle it out in the contest of ideas, as opposed to trying to use these extreme terms that have been unleashed on the American people from the very beginning of this presidency, and matter of fact, for a long period of time, by the current President and those sycophants who continue to do nothing more than rubber stamp his extreme agenda and hurt the American people. Contrary to Jeffries’ assertion, House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D-MA) said one week earlier in a Fox News interview, “And of course there will be, you know, families that are going to suffer. We take that responsibility very seriously. But it is one of the few leverage times we have.” Blitzer inquired the Minority Leader, Clarks’ direct superior, about the rare deviation in party messaging: BLITZER: Republicans say this is an admission that Democrats are using the American people as political leverage during this shutdown. Do you want to respond? JEFFRIES: Donald Trump is the President, Republicans control the House and the Senate. They've made the decision to shut down the government, and they are the ones who consistently have taken adverse actions, made clear that they want to hurt the American people during this shutdown that they've created. And they refuse to reopen the government because of their unwillingness to provide affordable healthcare to everyday Americans. Democrats have moved pass their talking point that blamed Republicans for originally removing the health care credits with the One Big Beautiful Bill. Now, Republicans were guilty for not repealing the measures they passed not even half a year ago. The transcript is below. Click "expand" to read: CNN’s The Situation Room October 23, 2025 11:19:06 a.m. EST (…) WOLF BLITZER: You heard the Speaker suggest you guys, the Democrats, are acting like terrorists, holding the American people hostage right now in order to get what you want. You want to just quickly respond to that? REP. HAKEEM JEFFRIES (D-NY): Well, that type of language is reckless, it's irresponsible, and it's gonna get someone killed. What do these folks not understand as it relates to the language that they continue to use? We should be able to battle it out in the contest of ideas, as opposed to trying to use these extreme terms that have been unleashed on the American people from the very beginning of this presidency, and matter of fact, for a long period of time, by the current President and those sycophants who continue to do nothing more than rubber stamp his extreme agenda and hurt the American people. These are folks in the House, in terms of the Republicans, they've been on vacation for the last four weeks. They have actually canceled votes four consecutive weeks in a row. And as Democrats, we've been here, leader Schumer, Senate Democrats, House Democrats making clear we are ready, we are willing, we are able to sit down with anyone, any time, any place in order to reopen the government, enact a spending agreement that actually improves the quality of life of the American people, that lowers costs for the American people, because this country is too expensive and also does the things necessary to ensure that tens of millions of Americans are not gonna experience dramatically increased health care premiums that, for many, may increase by a thousand or 2,000 dollars per year. That is unsustainable. And the average income for folks — or, in fact, more than 90 percent of the people who receive Affordable Care Act tax credits make around 63,000 dollars per year. We're fighting for working class Americans, for everyday Americans, and for middle class Americans while Republicans continue to do the bidding of their billionaire donors. BLITZER: As you know, Leader Jeffries, the White House and the Republicans, they are seizing on this clip, and I'll play it from your fellow top House Democrat, Congresswoman Katherine Clark. Listen and watch this. This is what she said. [Cuts to video] REP. KATHERINE CLARK (D-MA) [on 10/16/25]: I mean, shutdowns are terrible. And of course there will be, you know, families that are going to suffer. We take that responsibility very seriously. But it is one of the few leverage times we have. [Cuts back to live] BLITZER: Republicans say this is an admission that Democrats are using the American people as political leverage during this shutdown. Do you want to respond? JEFFRIES: Donald Trump is the President, Republicans control the House and the Senate. They've made the decision to shut down the government, and they are the ones who consistently have taken adverse actions, made clear that they want to hurt the American people during this shutdown that they've created. And they refuse to reopen the government because of their unwillingness to provide affordable healthcare to everyday Americans. (…)